Island Man

By Grace Nichols

Poetry from other cultures

Learning OutcomeBy the end of the lesson I will be able to : 1. comment on how poets use language to create images in the

mind of the reader.2. Annotate a poem.

Key wordsannotate

Image/imageryCulture

Contrast/compareIsland Man.docx

In pairs discuss the following questions and note your comments in your book.

1. What do you think life on a Caribbean island would be like?

2. How do you think this would be different from your way of life?

Make a list of things from the poem that are from the island and things that are from London.

Island London

Evoking Place

Learning outcomeUse my experience or imagination to describe a

place, its people and its culture.

Key wordsEvoke

SettingCulture

Using ‘Island Man’ as an influence, write a letter to a friend from either:

• A tropical island.• A bustling city centre.

1. Remember to use language carefully to describe the place and the people.

2. Describe the culture and traditions of the people who live there.

ExtensionContrast and compare the culture and traditions with

your own in England.

Analysing Poetry

Learning OutcomeUse PEE to analyse a poem.

Key wordsAnalyse

PointEvidence Explain

• POINT: The poet uses language to make the island seem bright and colourful.

• EVIDENCE: For example he describes the ‘blue surf’ and the ‘emerald island’.

• EXPLAIN: This creates an image in the mind of the reader of a beautiful, vivid and sunny place.

• POINT: The poet uses language to make London seem dull and dreary.

• EVIDENCE:

• EXPLAIN:

Writing your Essay

How does the ‘Island Man’ feel about life in the Caribbean and life In London?

Writing your Introduction

1. Briefly explain what the poem is about2. Add any relevant cultural context Level 6/7)Example:‘The Island Man’ is a poem written by Grace Nichols and is about a man who is from the Caribbean. However he is now living in London; he is extremely homesick and misses his island. In his dreams he is taken back to his former life where the poem contrasts the Caribbean with London. The way of life is very different in each culture and London is represented as very negative, whereas the Caribbean is shown to be positive and vibrant.

When writing your essay make a Point about the following and find Evidence in the poem

1. Imagery – what does the poet help you see?2. Sound/Sibilance – what does the poet help you to hear?3. Personification4. Language5. Form – what effect does the shape of the poem have?6. Conclusion – sum up, in your opinion, the attitudes and

feelings that the Island Man has towards the Caribbean and London

Remember - to Explain your points in detail and compare and contrast the Caribbean and London each time